A walking tour of life, recovery, becoming a betterhuman being, loving friends and family, and dogs.

Friday, January 19, 2007

I will fight no more forever

In 1877, Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce (the American Press called him "The Red Napolean" for his bravery and his tribe's fierce and canny fighting) gave this surrender speech.

I Will Fight No More Forever

I am tired of fighting.Our chiefs are killed.Looking Glass is dead.Toohulhulsote is dead.The old men are all dead.It is the young men who say 'no' and 'yes'.He who led the young men is dead.It is cold and we have no blankets.The little children are freezing to death.My people, some of them,Have run away to the hillsAnd have no blankets, no food.No one knows where they are

Perhaps they are freezing to death.I want to have time to look for my childrenAnd see how many of them I can find.Maybe I shall find them among the dead.Hear me, my chiefs, I am tired.My heart is sad and sick.From where the sun now standsI will fight no more forever..

Chief Joseph (Thunder Rolling Down the Mountain) died in 1904 of a broken heart, according to his doctor. He remained exhiled from his homeland.

2 comments:

Cool. i love all that American Indian wisdom. it comes from a great place. Warmongering is so naff. I'm sick of hate and killing. I wish this nonsense in Iraq was all over. and everywhere else for that matter. We humans do not seem to learn do we? I'd like to have some faith in a good outcome to all this but i don't. I have come to some sort of acceptance of the downward political spiral we seem to be in. I am not optimistic, but I think that we have to enjoy what's left of life anyway. Sorry to be bleak! But troubled times call for more effort t enjoy and contribute to life, not less, so I don't see it as a negative thing. I really must go to the gym! Nice to see you 2dogs!

About Me

I am a performance poet and writer. In a former life I was probably a gypsy. I am content wherever I am because I have the rooms of the Fellowship. I have 31 years of recovery, had a liver transplant in 2005 and am currently writing a daily meditation book for recovering addicts and alcoholics. I have two German shepherds, a fantastic husband and a great life.